Times Observer file photo The Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament is set for this weekend in Tidioute.

The 65th Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament kicks off today in Tidioute.

“A fun-packed weekend is planned every year on the last full weekend in September with activities for all ages,” according to the Tidioute Borough website.

“While the catch and release fishing contest is the star of the show complete with cash awards and prizes, there is also a kids fishing derby with trophies awarded for first, second, and third place winners, a parade, live music, food and raffles.”

Committee members will be on the grounds to accept registrations on Friday along with vendors, food and attractions, per a schedule of events, with live music by Jim Felix set for 7 p.m.

The fishing will start at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday morning with the scales open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The kids fishing derby will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Benner’s Park off Tidioute Creek Rd. while a parade will touch off at 1 p.m. on Main St.

Concord Station will perform from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Fishing Finalists and Lunker Awards will be presented at 8:30 p.m. with the Junior Championship Angler to be crowned at 9 p.m.

Fireworks are set for 9:45 p.m. Saturday night.

Fishing continues on Sunday with the scales open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Champion Angler will be crowned at 3 p.m.

Last year, a total of 174 anglers participated in the catch-and-release tournament with a total number of fish about 230. Bass and walleye were the most frequently-caught species, according to results posted on the event’s Facebook page.

“We invite everyone to enjoy and participate in all the festivities and entertainment surrounding the tournament,” the borough’s site says.